Hi! My name is Scott Raileanu and I am a Jewish Studies major in the Arts and Humanities College here at UMD. I actually transferred here and love it so much that I signed up to be an Orientation advisor so that I can help freshman and transfers adjust to life at University of Maryland. But being a transfer student is a bit different from a freshman and there was one topic that was a little tricky when I got here…
So as a transfer student coming to Maryland as a third year sophomore, pretty much too old for Frats but still looking for a solid social scene to enjoy my two or three years here, I wanted to talk about what ways are the best for male transfer students to find a group of guys to chill with. Because lets face it, you can go up to a girl and ask her number or for a drink or grab a bite but when it comes to creating a guy friendship it can sometimes be a bit tricky.
When I transferred this past fall, my first concern was housing. Maryland is notorious for having difficult and sometimes very expensive housing options. And as transfer you’re coming into the market late when all the pickings are slim. So I chose to live in the TEP frat house on college and Dickinson. It was a cheap place ($610) and I thought it would instantly give me some guys to chill with. There were some good guys but just didn’t turn out to be my type of social scene. So I was faced with a dilemma. I had my classes, books, job, and bus schedule figured out, but when it came down to going out to eat or grabbing a drink or just having some guys to go play a game of pick-up basketball I was in a bit of trouble.
So during my semester and a half here I have figured out a few places where guys can meet guys and not seem overly weird -- just make some guy friends. So don’t underestimate the reason why you’re here in the first place: Class. In each class there are going to be guys that have to suffer and study just like you. Grab a seat and strike up a quick conversation before class about the homework readings or the paper or exam you just had. It gives you a quick way to just talk about something and use your class as a way to get to know somebody. See if you can create a study group, swap phone number and after studying ask if anyone wants to catch late night at the diner with you.
Next, go to an Intramurals or a club sports team’s informational meeting. Don’t be shy, you know you used to be all conference JV point guard. Show up to the meeting, stand up when they call out the free agents (aka people who don’t know anyone to form a team with) and join a team that you can meet weekly with and play some cool sports. It’s a win-win; you meet friends and get to have some healthy competitive sports activity.
If sports aren’t your style, maybe try a club you have a hobby in. There plenty of guys in acapella groups, religious groups, environmental groups, terps for change, and many more. Any of these clubs is eager for more members and who knows maybe get a board position in a semester or two and now you’re really cooking. All of these options are available to students and the biggest obstacle that usually gets in a guys way is himself. Don’t worry about trying something new, Hell! You’re the one that wanted to transfer in the first place!
So make the most of it, go out for a team or a hobby that you are comfortable doing and can contribute. Shake some hands, ask for some pointers, and just be you. All of these will help you make a friend and create a social group.
Any thoughts on other places to meet some guys? Share you ideas
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Hey my name is James Cowan and I am in letters and sciences. I will also be an orientation adviser this summer. I could not agree with Scott more that the most important thing to do is see whats out there. One of the greatest things about having such a large campus is the fact that there is something out there for everyone. I've been here almost two years now and I still find out about some new program or club at the University that I had never heard of before. With so many students enrolled, it's easy to find others that share the same interests as you. The best resource for finding something you may be interested in is www.stars.umd.edu. The first look fair is also something I would encourage everyone to go to. It can be difficult to find your niche as a transfer student, but don't ever think there's nothing out there for you.
ReplyDeleteHey! My name is Tori Shay and I am a sophomore Communication major and an incoming Orientation Adviser! Everyone needs to take Scott's advice! There are SO many ways to get involved on this campus and there is a club or organization for everyone! There are three ways you can find out how to get involved. One is going to the First Look Fair in September, another is Stamp Fest in January, and the third is Star.umd.edu! The great things about the clubs here at Maryland is that they are very flexible! I was the President of the Freshmen Class Council in 2010 and made sure to keep everyone that wanted to stay involved updated and informed even if they couldn't make a meeting. My advice to you is that if you see a club you may be interested in, join their list-serve! It helps to keep getting emails from the club or organization so you can see how you can help out even if you don't go to their meeting! I was always interested in Circle K but could never go to their meetings freshmen year. I kept up with their list-serve and can now make the meetings and I am a regular member! Hope this tip helps!
ReplyDeleteHi! I’m David Todd, a rising-Senior Computer Science and Theatre Double major here and I will also be an Orientation Advisor for the Summer of 2011! One aspect of college that I was excited about was getting involved in musical groups on campus. I’m not a Music major, so I wasn’t going to be singing in the program we have here at Maryland, but I still wanted to keep up with it. So, I decided to audition for the a cappella groups on campus.
ReplyDeleteThe auditions for the majority of these groups happen at the same time and place: during the first two weeks of school in the CSPAC Music Wing. I was able to try out for several different a cappella groups and decide which ones were right for me. It was an awesome way to meet people that loved singing as much as I did, and we worked towards common goals like competing and putting on shows.
There are plenty of other musical groups on campus that any student can audition for, such as Choirs, Jazz Combos, the Marching Band, and much more. If you’re not a music major but still want to include music in your college experience, UMD has so many opportunities!